Bhubaneswar, Dec 07: The coast card has launched “Operation Oliva” to ensure the safe mid-sea sojourn of breeding Olive Ridley sea turtles in Gahirmatha marine sanctuary area by deploying ship and aircraft on the mission, stated Deputy Commandant of Coast Guard of Paradip V Vijay.
With round-the-clock vigil, the Coast Guard would ensure in providing adequate protection to the endangered species and keep a tab on illegal fishing in Gahirmatha and prohibited areas off Odisha coast under OMFRA and also enforce the legislation and notifications promulgated by the State Government in and around nesting areas of the turtles as the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles have begun arriving en masse for mating.
Fishermen and fishing community have been directed not to venture in the reserved areas during fishing, informed Coast Guard sources.
